Liftow Limited Utilizes NKK LP01 Pushbutton to Keep Forklift

Operators Safe

Liftow Limited, a commercial and industrial equipment supplier, is committed to assisting

customers in finding the safest, most productive, and cost-efficient solution for their material

handling needs.

Liftow’s mission is to provide its clients with the most exceptional material handling equipment,

products, training, and customer service in the industry, however it too is familiar with the

stresses associated with preventing operator injury and the magnitude in keeping its employees

safe.

Discover how Liftow Limited utilizes value-added services from NKK Switches to improve forklift

operator ergonomics.

Challenges

Depending on your livelihood, most people don’t expect to be put

in harm’s way during their usual routine at work. For those

operating heavy machinery, like Liftow Limited products,

employers strive to minimize hazards, damage, or employee

injury by proactively finding solutions to potentially dangerous or

threatening situations.

Lift truck operators frequently find themselves traveling in

reverse when carrying large loads while simultaneously placing

their hand onto the overhead guard for balance, which may result

in serious injuries. This

presents many safety

issues including that

there is nothing to hold

onto when reversing

which can cause back strain, not all body parts are

kept inside the operator compartment, the operator

must use his or her other hand (if the horn is needed)

preventing the driver from seeing where he or she is

going or letting go of the steering wheel completely,

among other risks.

Solution

Enter the ERGO Back-Up Handle with built-in horn featuring the

NKK LP01 Pushbutton. The LP01 Pushbutton is a short body

pushbutton with snap-in mounting and a smooth, slightly concave

cap designed to fit a fingertip. LP01 Pushbuttons feature a

mechanical life of 500,000 operations minimum, and an electrical

life of 50,000 minimum.

NKK provided value-added services by assembling the LP01

Pushbutton with an extended length wire harness spanning 7 feet.

The wire harness assembly, composed of 18AWG, UL1061-rated

wire was assembled at NKK’s Scottsdale, Arizona facility and

inspected per IPC Class 3 standards.

This resolution eases back strain, keeps the forklift operator’s

hand inside the operator compartment where it is less vulnerable

to harm, can fit in any lift truck, installs in minutes, and the horn

switch allows the driver to keep the left hand on the steering wheel.

“Our Back-Up Handle product required a switch design that was both simple to install and would

be durable enough to withstand repeated use on a forklift,” said John Marcellino, Sales &

Marketing Manager at Liftow Limited.

Marcellino went on to say, “The NKK Switch provided a complete

assembly that we could easily install on our handle, cutting down our

manufacturing time dramatically. It also holds up extremely well in a

rough application such as a forklift used in a warehouse with a lot of

vibration. We find the switch we use lasts a long period of time and is a

perfect fit for our Back-Up Handle. Should the switch need to be replaced

for any reason, it is very simple to swap out and can be done in minutes

with its simple design.”

The Ergo Back-Up Handle distinguishes itself from the competition by improving workplace

efficiency and safety. Simply install the back-up handle on the inside of the operator

compartment to provide something for the driver to grip onto inside the vehicle, specifically while

reversing.